December 2014 - City of Norwalk

The official community publication of Norwalk, California
www.norwalk.org
December 2014, Volume 32, #12
City of Norwalk Passes Measure B
Voters adopted Measure B, placed on the ballot to preserve
$2 million in local funding for local essential services.
“The adoption of Measure
B ensures that the City will be
able to maintain local essential
services that residents care
about. We take direction from
our residents and in this case,
introducing...
Norwalk.org
The City of Norwalk unveiled an updated website
on November 20 at a “Re-Boot” event at the Arts and
Sports Complex. Created by Vision Internet Providers,
the updated site has a new look, responsive design,
easier to navigate pages and plenty of user-friendly
options. Visitors to the new site can customize their
viewing experience, post comments to social media,
and receive email notifications for events, billing and
meeting agendas.
The City is excited to take advantage of the latest
technology to bring our residents and users more info,
more interactivity, and faster, more convenient service. they have said locally controlled funding
is necessary to maintain our afterschool
programs, parks, and gang prevention efforts
that preserve our quality of life and property
values,” said City Manager Mike Egan.
“We thank the community for their
participation and look forward to continuing the
work we have started,” the City Manager added.
Measure B will close loopholes in Norwalk’s
outdated 22 years old UUT ordinance so
residents are treated equally, without increasing
tax rates. Low-income, disabled, and blind
residents will continue to be exempt from
paying under Measure B. Measure B requires
strict oversight, including mandatory annual
independent financial audits.
2014 SnowFest & Tree
Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, December 6, 2014 • 12:00-8:00 p.m.
Norwalk City Hall Lawn, 12700 Norwalk Boulevard
It’s snowing in Norwalk! Don’t drive far to enjoy a
winter wonderland. We’re bringing winter to you. The
day will be filled with two giant snow slides, games,
crafts, face painting and yummy food. The evening
becomes magical with the arrival of Santa Claus and
the lighting of the Norwalk Christmas Tree. Join the
Norwalk City Council as they ring in the holiday
season. For details, please call (562) 929-5702.
12-5 p.m.Snowslides, game booths,
face painting, snow play area,
arts & crafts, stage entertainment,
food booths and craft fair.
5-8 p.m. Stage entertainment
6-8 p.m. Tree Lighting Ceremony
Letters to Santa(All Ages)
November 25-December 13
You are invited to send a wish list to good ol’
Saint Nick at the North Pole. He has promised to
answer all the letters from every boy and girl who
writes him. Letters can be deposited in the holiday
mailbox at the Norwalk Arts and Sports Complex, or
mailed to the address listed below. Be sure to include a
return address. For more details, please call 929-5702.
Mail to: Santa Claus
c/o City of Norwalk
Recreation and Park
Services Department
12700 Norwalk Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650
Norwalk City Council
Mayor Marcel Rodarte Vice Mayor Leonard Shryock
Councilmember Cheri Kelley Councilmember Mike Mendez
Councilmember Luigi Vernola
Santa Claus
is Coming to Town!
Santa Sleigh Stops • December 6-20
Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their
favorite elves are touring Norwalk to
spread holiday cheer. While in town,
Santa will take requests for special
Christmas wishes and pose for photographs with
children. You may bring your own camera or
let us take an instant photograph for a nominal
fee. In the event of rain, some stops may be
cancelled or rescheduled. Santa will be collecting
canned goods for the less fortunate. Residents
are encouraged to bring one canned food item.
Please call (562) 929-5702 for details.
Santa will be at the following stops:
Saturday, December 6
Tree Lighting Ceremony
City Hall Lawn
Monday, December 8
Cresson Elementary School
Vista Verde Park
Gard Avenue & Elmhurst Drive
Tuesday, December 9
Orr Elementary School
Studebaker Elementary School
Lakeside Middle School
Wednesday, December 10
Glazier Elementary School
12641 Kalnor Avenue
Thursday, December 11
Edmondson Elementary School
Gerdes Park
Barnwall Street & Flatbush Avenue
Friday, December 12
Morrison Elementary School
Mollette Street & Bechard Avenue
New River Elementary
Saturday, December 13
Spry Street & Curtis & King Road
12122 Kenny Street
Monday, December 15
Chavez Elementary School
D.D. Johnston Elementary School
Tuesday, December 16
Volunteer Avenue & Crewe Street
Paddison Elementary School
Lakeland Elementary School
Wednesday, December 17
Sanchez Elementary School
Thursday, December 18
14729 Clarkdale Avenue
Silverbow Avenue & Sproul Street
Moffitt Elementary School
Friday, December 19
Cheshire Street & Belshire Street
Saturday, December 20
14513 Devlin Avenue
14314 Crossdale Avenue
City of Norwalk
12700 Norwalk Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650
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PRSRT STD
US Postage
PAID
Permit No. 162
Norwalk, CA
To Postal Patron
Holiday Safety
While Shopping
The Holiday season is always a special time of year,
but it is also a time when busy people become
careless and vulnerable to theft and holiday crime.
The following are some helpful safety tips
when driving during the holidays:
• Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in
or out of your car. If you have a car alarm, always set it.
• If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
• Avoid parking next to vans trucks with camper shells, or
cars with tinted windows.
• Park as close as you can to your destination and take
notice of where you parked.
• Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running
or with children inside.
• Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car.
This creates temptation for thieves.
• Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
• Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels.
Do not put them down or on top of your car in order to
open the door.
• When approaching and leaving your vehicle, be aware of
your surroundings.
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious
people in the area.
• And if in doubt, ask mall or store security for an escort
before leaving your shopping location.
Cal Fire Tree Planting in Norwalk
As part of the Cal Fire Green Trees for the Golden
State program grant, the Public Services Department
coordinated a tree planting event at Zimmerman Park
on Saturday, November 8, 2014. Approximately 25
volunteers from various organizations helped beautify
Zimmerman Park and increase the City’s urban forest by
planting 60 trees. The Green Trees for the Golden State
grant provides funds for tree planting projects in urban
areas to promote clean air and energy conservation.
The Public Services Department Tree Maintenance
Section plants parkway trees throughout the community
from November to May. If you would like to have a Cal
Fire tree planted in your parkway, please contact
the Public Services Department at (562) 929-5511
or [email protected] for a list of trees
being planted through the Cal Fire grant.
Community Safety
Partnership Team
The Department of Public Safety’s Community
Safety Partnership Team is waiting for you at
the park. Beginning in the summer of 2014, the
Team has been frequenting City parks, in addition
to visiting schools and attending special events.
The Team stresses
the importance
of neighborhood,
park and bicycle
safety, and can be
found patrolling
parks on bicycles
and in vehicles.
They also enjoy
interacting with
Norwalk residents
of all ages – and
rumor has it that
they even carry
small giveaways
for kids who visit
City parks and stop by to say hello. The Community
Safety Partnership Team hopes to see you soon!
Did You Know:
• A tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide
per year, and can sequester one ton of carbon dioxide by the
time it reaches 40 years old.
• One large tree can provide a supply of oxygen for two people.
americanforests.org/discover-forests/tree-facts/
Veterans Resource
Fair Recap
Veterans Day Ceremony Highlights
“Celebrating Their Service. Saluting Their Sacrifice.”
Veterans Day occurs on November 11 each year. Here in Norwalk, Civic Center Lawn was the site
for this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony. An American flag stood tall in the backdrop as the Norwalk
All-City Band kicked off the event. The ceremony allowed for pause and reflection from all those
in attendance. Active and retired military men and women from the U.S. Marines, Army, Navy, Air
Force and Coast Guard turned out.
Norwalk Mayor Marcel Rodarte, a veteran himself, opened the ceremony and expressed Council’s
gratitude to all those who served.
Twenty-three year old Francis Fernandez, a United States Marine Corps veteran, was the keynote
speaker. “It meant a lot to me to speak at this year’s Norwalk Veterans Day Ceremony. I don’t really
look at myself as a person who should get appreciated for this, but every young vet, every older vet
should be getting appreciated. It’s everyone’s story and everyone’s struggle.” During his deployment,
Fernandez served in Afghanistan.
Veterans Day serves as a reminder to say thank you to those who have fought and those fighting
for our freedom.
As the nation celebrated Veterans Day
on November 11, the City of Norwalk started
a day early. The Veterans Resource Fair was
a first for the City, with more than a dozen
booths providing information and staff to
answer questions. During the four hour
event, servicemen and women met with
representatives from federal, county, and local
agencies. Those agencies included the Social
Security Administration, Congresswoman
Linda Sanchez’ office and the City of Norwalk’s
Human Resources Department. Employers also
turned out, along with health care providers
offering free blood pressure screenings and flu
shots, and veterans home loan specialists.
For more on this event, check out our “Now
You Know” feature on the Veterans Resource
Fair www.youtube.com/norwalktelevision
Visit www.thelegionserves.org
Become active at the local level by joining
your post. The American Legion helps
veterans and their families through
scholarships, programs and referrals.
2
Urban Art Hits the Streets of Norwalk
On Sunday, November 16, Norwalk’s first
urban art piece was completed as part of the City’s
Art in Public Places Utility Box Artwork Program.
Three top winners of Norwalk’s 2014 “Artastic” art
competition were selected to create a theme and
design for a utility box located at the corner of
Firestone Boulevard and San Antonio Drive, near
the Cultural Arts Center. Norwalk residents and
local students Amanda Lira, Cynthia Helm, and
Angie Vasquez chose Asian art as their focus. The
three young ladies, under the supervision of artist
Candace Galvan, traced their designs onto the
panels of the utility box then painted the artwork using
acrylic paints. The project, which took place over two
days, caused onlookers to pause, take cell phone photos,
and call out “Beautiful!” and “Way to go, Norwalk!”
while passing by on foot or by car. Families stopped to
study the work, and one very young artist even took the
time to sketch her version of a design.
The project is slated to continue near John
Glenn and Norwalk High Schools. The talents of each
school’s art students are utilized for the beautification
of the community, and provide a forum for discussion
regarding the City’s diversity, culture, history, and future.
SAVE THE DATE!
City of Norwalk
State of the
City Address
Friday, February 20, 2015
11:30 a.m. Luncheon
Doubletree Hotel
13111 Sycamore Dr.
Norwalk, CA 90650
Call (562) 400-8188 for more information.
Let’s
Talk
Trash
Help keep Norwalk clean by storing trash cans, green waste cans,
Angie Vasquez
Cynthia Helm
recycling bins and privately owned cans out of public view.
On regularly-scheduled trash collection days, trash cans may be placed
at the curb for disposal up to 24 hours before the day of collection and must be
removed and properly stored by 6 a.m. following the designated day of collection.
Large, bulky items may not be placed out for collection without first contacting
your designated trash collector and arranging for pick up. Here are their numbers:
Consolidated Disposal (562) 347-2100 or CR&R (562) 944-4716
The haulers pick up any items, except car parts, at no additional charge. In order to receive this
service, residents must call a minimum of 24 hours prior to their collection day. No bulky items will
be picked up without a request.
Reminder: Please utilize your recycling bin to reduce the impact on our landfills.
Holiday Street Sweeping & Trash Collection Schedule
Amanda Lira
Candace Galvan
On Christmas Day, trash collection will be delayed one day. If you are scheduled for Thursday
pick-up, your refuse will be collected on Friday. If you are scheduled for Friday pick-up, your trash
will be collected on Saturday. All other days of the week remain the same.
Scheduled street sweeping on Thursday will be cancelled due to the holiday. However, normal street
sweeping schedules for Monday through Wednesday, and Friday of that week will be unaffected.
In some cases, this altered schedule may mean that a delayed trash collection day falls on street
sweeping day. In these cases, trash receptacles must be placed on the curb in order for the sweeper
to properly clean your street. Keep your neighborhood clean and safe by ensuring that trash cans
do not interfere with the street sweeper. Contact (562) 929-5732 if you have any questions.
City of Norwalk Public Services Department
Angel Tree
YOU CAN HELP BRIGHTEN THE LIFE OF A CHILD!
The City of Norwalk Angel Tree Project:
“A Gift of Clothing” is an annual project
that benefits less
fortunate children
(Grades K-5) in
our community.
We invite you to
make a difference
in a child’s life by
becoming an Angel
Tree contributor
this coming holiday
season. Simply select an Angel Tree Tag, purchase
an article of clothing, and return the wrapped
gift with the Angel Tree Tag to the Norwalk
Social Services Center, Norwalk Senior Center,
Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex, or City Hall by
Monday, December
8. Your gift, toys,
and other goodies
will be given to
these children at a
holiday celebration
i n D e c e m b e r.
You can also help
by p r ov i d i n g a
monetary donation
that directly benefits children. Please call
the Norwalk Social Services Center at (562)
929-5544 for more information.
SELACO WIB is Now Hiring
Career Development Specialist - Disability Resource Coordinator. Position works with the Career
Development Team and is assigned specifically to the California Disability Employment Initiative. Has
experience working with persons with a disability providing case management, job readiness, and placement
assistance; educating staff and employers on securing employment for the disabled population; Requires
4-year degree in a related field and strong written and verbal communication skills.
Career Development Specialist - Workshop Facilitator. Position works with Skills Development Team
responsible America’s Job Center (AJC) job search and readiness workshops. Has experience leading
educational workshops, developing workshop material including PowerPoint presentations, and is
comfortable with social media tools. Requires a 4-year degree in a related field and strong written and verbal
communication skills, ability to case manage and connect effectively with business.
Send resume to HR Dept., SELACO WIB,10900 E. 183rd St, Ste. 350, Cerritos, CA 90703
email [email protected] or fax to (562) 860-4457. Please specify position.
Closing date to apply: open until filled. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. EOE/AA
3
SANDBAG
INFORMATION
With WINTER and rain coming, be prepared!
Sand is available in the parking lots of the
following five locations within Norwalk.
Aquatic Pavilion
12301 Sproul St.
Gerdes Park
14700 Gridley Rd.
Hermosillo Park
11959 162nd St.
Bob White Park
12120 Hoxie Ave.
Holifield Park
12500 Excelsior Dr.
Sand and bags are on a first come, first
serve basis. If you need more information,
please call the Public Services office at
(562) 929-5511.
MOVERS, SHAKERS &
NEWSMAKERS
Girl Scout Wins Silver Award
Nor walk resident and
Girl Scout, 14 year old
Analyse Marie Garcia is
focused on creating a better
environment. Her troop
worked on implementing
an ecology program at
their school. This involved
composting by recycling
lunch food trash. Money
raised by the Girl Scouts
from cookie sales went towards buying plants and
flower beds. Students will literally enjoy the fruits
of their labor.
Veterans Day Event Airing
The November 11 Veterans Day
Ceremony in the City of Norwalk
was a memorable day for the
community. See highlights from the event on “Now
You Know” www.youtube.com/norwalktelevision
and Channels 32 (Charter) and 2 (Verizon FiOS)
Mayor’s Cup
The Norwalk High School Lancer Football Team
has a brand new trophy to add to their collection.
Norwalk High celebrated their 59-0 win over
John Glenn on October 30, 2014. Mayor Marcel
Rodarte presented the Mayor’s Trophy to the team.
Phone Home
Winners
Halloween night
was a lucky one
for three kids
in Nor walk.
As part of the
City’s Annual
Halloween
Festival, the city
awarded brand
new bicycles and safety helmets. Youngsters ages
6 to 17 took part in the phone home contest.
Holiday Food Basket
Many families in Norwalk could use your
kindness and support during this busy holiday
season. The Norwalk Social Services Center provides
food for families in need. If you want to donate food
items or money, they could use your help. And it’s
not just during this season, it’s throughout the year.
To help stock their pantry call (562) 929-5544.
Nomination for Older
American Award
The City of Norwalk is seeking a Norwalk
resident to nominate and recognize as its Outstanding
Older American. The nominee must be at least 65
years of age and perform outstanding volunteer
services within the City of Norwalk. Volunteer
services performed at such locations as a hospital,
school, library, municipal program, or any nonprofit organization all qualify for this honor. This
is a distinct opportunity to acknowledge an older
American who has enhanced the lives of others or
the community at large in an exceptional way.
Applications can be obtained at the following
Norwalk locations or by visiting our website at
www.norwalkca.org:
Norwalk Senior Center
14040 San Antonio Dr.
Norwalk City Hall • Community Information
12700 Norwalk Blvd.
Norwalk Social Services
11929 Alondra Blvd.
The grand prize winners are:
Emma Ochoa - Ages 6-9 yrs.
Carla Diaz - Ages 10-12 yrs.
Irma Herrera - Ages 13-17 yrs.
Applications will be available in January, 2015.
Please call (562) 929-5580 for application requests
and deadline dates.
Activities
at
Norwalk
Library
12350 Imperial Hwy., Norwalk, CA 90650 • (562) 868-0775
Holiday Candy Trees
www.seaaca.org
“Happy
Paw
lidays”
“Give us the gift of a “furr-ever home.”
Reduced Pet Adoption Fees
December 16, 2014 – Januar y 2, 2015
9777 Seaaca St. Downey, CA
(562) 803-3301
Dogs & Cats 5 years & older $45.00
Dogs & Cats 1-5 years old $65.00
Puppies & Kittens $135.00
“Oh what fun it is to adopt!”
Children will create their own
holiday tree using yummy holiday
candy, sugar cones and frosting. A
fun and messy holiday activity for
children of all ages. All materials will
be provided. Tuesday, December 9
at 4:00 PM.
Pacific Bell Handbell
Ensemble Holiday Concert
The Pacific Bell Handbell Ensemble,
which has played at events like the
Hollywood Bowl Easter Sunrise
Services and with groups such as
the Los Angeles Master Chorale,
will perform holiday classics on
handbells on Monday, December
15 at 6:30 PM. This program is
generously sponsored by the Friends
of the Norwalk Libraries.
Holiday Sing-Along “Bet You’re Gonna Leave Happy!”
Nothing lifts the spirit like singing a happy
tune. Join other like-minded song lovers, young
and old, for a holiday sing-along. No singing
experience necessary. Songs will be familiar and
fun, with the sing-along a group effort, with no
one person in the spotlight! Holiday refreshments
will be provided courtesy of the Friends of the
Norwalk Libraries. Monday, December 1 at 6 p.m.
Activities
at Alondra Library
11949 Alondra Blvd., Norwalk, CA 90650 • (562) 868-7771
Holiday Magic Show
Adoption Fee Includes:
Spay/Neuter • 1 st Set of Vaccinations
Micro-Chip • Deworming • Flea Treatment
Master Magician Tony Daniels will delight
you with his holiday magic show. Have you
ever seen a library snow? Tony Daniels will
do it! The young and young-at-heart will
love this show. Wednesday, December 3 at
4:00 PM.